AwesomeC5

I am looking for a C5 Z06 in the 15k-20k price range. My preference is a black or silver exterior with a black interior.

I have found a bunch, all have their pro's and con's. An example: A 2003 at a dealership, 45k miles, black on black, great condition....but has had 5 owners and had one wreck recorded on Carfax. The Trueframe report shows all is good, just minor body and paint work. Should I walk away? $21,000

FYRARMS

A question only you can answer. Only you can decide what you are willing to accept in a car purchase. Opinions will differ. Some don't care about minor accidents if the repairs were done properly. Some do.

Phanni

A minor fender bender would not be 'walk away' for me. $21,000 seems to be in the ball park, but I'd haggle a bit if possible.

It is unfortunate that Carfax doesn't give detailed information about collisions, however if no frame damage was listed, it has a 'clean title, all body panels have good gaps, and the paint matches well, I'd not have any real concerns. 5 owners for a 14 year old car is not unusual. Sometimes Vettes change hands 2 or three times in the first couple of years, (either the car goes or I go reaction from wives,,if you get my drift)

Jakevieth

Try to look on the internet for options there is also corvette magazines that has some of those in there I have seen some myself.

Vetteman Jack

The minor accident wouldn't worry me if no frame damage occurred. Five owners may not be that unusual either. Look the car over carefully, have it inspected by a good mechanic, and go from there.

deejbee

Our 1999 C5 shows a minor collision and it didn't deter me.

I have my autobody ticket so I can usually pick out a good/bad repair but even then unless you start removing body panels and interior panels it can be hard to tell if a cosmetically good repair was done properly.

That price you mentioned, to me, is negotiable. "I am interested in the car, but I am going to be the one stuck with it after I buy it so the price has to reflect that" type of thing..

I did that with a 2002 Camaro SS once that had previous collision damage and the dealer agreed and knocked several $1000 off the price...

Dave1

I wouldn't touch it.....

There are many one owner clean Z06's available in every state, take your time and get a real nice one that has been taken care of.....

Route99

It's a great negotiating tool with the dealer. Along the lines of what deejbee said: "Look, I'm concerned that the accident may hurt me later when I try to sell it so how about a little more off the price of the car?" Worst they can do is say, no.

Riteaidkid84

I would walk, too many good cars for better peice on this forum imo

ArmchairArchitect

High number of owners is not anything to shy away from. These types of cars often change hands, especially earlier in their lives when owners realize they should sell the expensive toy and pay the debt off.

High number of owners can be a positive, as with each new owner there's a renewed interest in maintaining the car, as opposed to long-term owners who may get complacent with the vehicle.

grampi50

Have you looked in the for sale section in this forum? Z06s have almost been all that's for sale here...

AwesomeC5

That is a good point......i never really thought of it that way....

AwesomeC5

Always focused on that section!!

socal_Dad

The best thing I did while searching is to call and talk with people and go see cars. Some sellers are flexible, some are not. I think people tend to be more open when talking and you know right away whether they loved and cared for their car. When the right one comes along you will know right away and jump on it.

Irish31

My vote is to walk away. You will be on the receiving end of all that haggling and tug-of-war over the price because of Carfax when you decide to sell.

dbgoodwin

Nothing would specifically concern me about the car. Condition is king over miles, accidents, and owners.

My z06 was $21,000 when I bought it about 4 years ago. It had 60ish thousand miles at the time. Given the 45k trouble free miles I don't feel bad at all.

Since its not a rare or special color, I'm sure they will be willing to negotiate a bit on the price.

Sids04

Be patient .. There are plenty out there that are clean no hit cars for that money